A man has been taken to hospital following a 'serious' crash which caused a North Yorkshire road to close last night.

North Yorkshire Police (NYP) confirmed a man was taken to hospital following a collision between a car and van on the A66 near Mainsgill Farm Shop at 8.30pm on Tuesday (October 10).

They confirmed the man suffered serious injuries.

Read more: North Yorkshire woman trampled and dog killed by cows

The incident caused road closures and diversions to be put in place at Scotch Corner and Barnard Castle.

A NYP spokesperson said: "Road closures and diversions are currently in place at Scotch Corner and Barnard Castle following a serious collision between a car and van on the A66 near Mainsgill Farm Shop.

"It happened at around 8.30pm on Tuesday (10 October 2023). A man driving the car has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"The route is expected to remain closed for several hours while the emergency services and National Highways work at the scene.

"Motorists are urged to avoid the area until further notice and to follow the diversions.

"Witnesses to the collision should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 4, and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference NYP-10102023-0515."

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) has been contacted for more information on the incident.

National Highways North East have confirmed the road closure on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Read more: 'Fairy Bikers' present signed copy of book to Rishi Sunak

They said: "Following a serious collision, the A66 in CountyDurham is closed both ways between the A1M (ScotchCorner) and the #A67 (Bowes).

"All emergency are working at the scene, with TrafficOfficers assisting with the closures. Please keep following the feed for further updates."

The road has since been reopened.